Mourinho Didn’t Give Me Chance, Says Januzaj

Adnan Januzaj insists he is good enough for Manchester United, but says Jose Mourinho did not give him the chance he needed.

The 23-year-old made his Red Devils debut in the FA Community Shield in 2013 and was billed by some as a natural successor to Ryan Giggs as he made a positive impact during the early months of David Moyes’s ill-fated tenure as manager.

However, the winger never quite lived up to expectations, and Januzaj was eventually allowed to leave for Real Sociedad in the summer of 2017 when Mourinho deemed him surplus to requirements.

Januzaj feels that he was not given enough time as a young player to show his quality under the Portuguese, who sent him on loan to Sunderland upon his arrival at Old Trafford in 2016 before letting him leave the club permanently.

“I didn’t really get a chance because at the time he [Mourinho] probably wanted more experienced players with names,” he told Sky Sports News.

He insists that he had the attributes to succeed at Old Trafford, but claims he is happy at Sociedad, where he has made 39 appearances in all competitions since joining.

“For me, it wasn’t a problem,” he added. “I had to move on and now I am happy in Spain and making a difference. I always knew I had the quality to play for Manchester United. I know what I am capable of.

“They didn’t give me a chance but it’s not a problem. I am happy in Spain and enjoying my football.”

Donatus Anichukwueze is a journalism graduate from the Lagos State University, School of Communication. He's a writer with special interest in technology, sports, entertainment and politics. He's also a true and true Chelsea FC fan.